Phoenix (AZ Family) — Weight loss drugs have taken the world by storm, but high demand has created shortages and created new opportunities for compounding pharmacies to manufacture their own versions of weight loss drugs at a fraction of the price.
Compounding pharmacists claim their products are identical to name-brand injectables, but they say they are not FDA-approved and will soon be removed from the market.
People looking to shed a few pounds are turning to a popular injection hailed as a miracle worker.
The demand for prescription weight loss drugs such as wegobee, Munjaroand zep bound Not enough to go around.
This has created an opportunity for compounding pharmacies.
“We sell weight loss,” said owner Teresa Dickinson. melrose pharmacy Located in the heart of Phoenix.
Her store carries big name brands and for the past six months. Combined versiontoo.
“This is an exact copy, only at a lower price,” she said.
If your insurance doesn’t cover the cost, you could end up paying more than $1,000 a month for an FDA-approved weight loss drug.
Currently, Dickinson can offer replicas for as low as $225.
“It’s safe if you buy it from a licensed pharmacy. You don’t want to buy it from the internet,” Dickinson said.
But change is coming soon. of The FDA recently announced Supplies of Munjaro and Zepbound are once again sufficient, and pharmacies are only allowed to manufacture drugs that are not commercially available.
Therefore, in March, more affordable products disappear from the market.
Wegovy continues to be in short supply. So for now, that popular option is still a fair choice.
“As for whether it’s safe to use, it’s really a risk-versus-benefit debate. We don’t know for sure.” Dr. Beth ZarClinical Assistant Professor. University of Arizona School of Pharmacy.
She points out that compounded drugs are not FDA-approved.
“There’s definitely more risk involved in getting drugs from a compounding pharmacy, which is one of the reasons the FDA doesn’t allow this to be done routinely,” she said.
For those who take the road less traveled, a natural approach is more appealing.
Diet and exercise are proven ways to stay healthy.
“Sometimes it takes effort, and sometimes it’s not always a quick fix,” Piestewa Peak hiker Mary Welder said.
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